Ensuring and instilling good oral hygiene habits in our children begins during pregnancy. It can be common for expectant mothers to neglect their oral health which can increase the likelihood for tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, as well as potentially compromise the health of their unborn baby.

There are multiple contributors that can decline oral health during pregnancy including suboptimal brushing and flossing due to exhaustion, sickness (i.e. vomiting which increases oral acidity), hormonal changes resulting in the increased risk of pregnancy gingivitis and poor dietary choices.

Routine recare visits every 6 months (3 month visits may also be recommended during pregnancy by your dentist or hygienist), brushing a minimum of 2 times per day, flossing and good dietary choices can help decrease the chance of tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and preterm labor.

Preterm labor has been linked to oral hygiene neglect during pregnancy due to the transmission of virulent oral bacteria from the expectant mother through the bloodstream to the uterus. It is important to note that oral bacteria can be transmitted to the newborn even after birth from the mother (or father) through saliva. Sharing drinks, using your mouth to clean a dirty pacifier and anything that could vertically transfer unfavorable oral bacteria is discouraged.

Besides understanding the importance of oral health, expectant mothers should always remember the importance of overall health during and even after pregnancy.